Are you suffering from insomnia but don't wanna go and visit a doctor? Have you been taking over-the-counter sleep aids and hope to be cured by it any time soon? Do you wish to confirm the truth about OTC's and insomnia? If yes, read the article entitled Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids: Learn about OTC Sleep Medication by Michael Bihari of About.com. Read part of the article below.
In general, OTC sleep medications are most effective when you use them in moderation for a short period of time. OTC sleep aids do not cure insomnia, and if used incorrectly, can cause a number of sleep and medication-related problems, which (depending on the medication you are using and for how long) may include:
Drug tolerance: You may develop tolerance to your medication, meaning that you need a higher dosage of the medication for it to work. With OTC sleep medications this can develop in less than a week. Taking more of the medication increases your risk for side effects.
Drug dependence: You may come to depend on your OTC medication to sleep and may not be able to sleep without it.
Side effects: As noted above, sleep medications can cause unwanted side effects. Generally, the most common side effect of the OTC sleep medications is drowsiness the next day, which can interfere with driving and working.
If you are drowsy or dizzy, do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires you to be mentally alert.
Drug interactions: OTC sleeping medications can interact with other medications you are taking. These drug interactions can lead to dangerous side effects, especially when used with prescription painkillers, other sleep medications and medications used to treat mental health conditions.
Do not drink alcohol while taking OTC sleep medications as it can make the side effects much worse.
Rebound sleep problems: If you have been taking an OTC sleep medication for a long time and stop the medication, your sleep problem may become worse than before.
Using the medication for the wrong condition: You may have an underlying health condition that is causing you to be agitated or to experience sleeplessness. By using an OTC sleep medication, you may not be getting the treatment you need for your condition. For example, you may be suffering from depression which can be treated with an antidepressant medication such as Zoloft (sertraline).
To read the full article, click Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids: Learn about OTC Sleep Medication by Michael Bihari of About.com
Wanna know why you feel drowsy a day after taking in an over-the-counter sleep aid? If yes, click Cause of Drowsiness After Taking Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids.
1 comment:
The over the counter sleep aids can work in a pinch, but it's generally not good for long-term use.
Post a Comment